COMMENTARIES

6 Sep 2022

The Najib Verdict: Judges Made Their Mark, But Will It Last?

Lee Hwok-Aun

The Federal Court’s upholding of the conviction of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has restored confidence in the key national institution. But the country’s democracy faces stern challenges ahead.

6 Sep 2022

UNCLOS and Maritime Governance: Why It Matters to Malaysia

Sumathy Permal

Malaysia's evolution to a full maritime nation-state is ongoing and the challenge will be to adapt to new security and other transnational maritime issues while supporting UNCLOS principles.

Malaysia Maritime Crime Maritime Security UNCLOS Why UNCLOS Matters

5 Sep 2022

Prayut’s Suspension: The Authoritarian System Behind the Thai Premier

Michael J. Montesano

Questions about the political fate of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha serve as a distraction. It is more important to understand the post-2014 authoritarian system that supports Prayut.

Thai Military Thai Politics Thailand

5 Sep 2022

Indonesia’s New Criminal Code: The Political Establishment Versus Civil Society, Again

Max Lane

While public opposition to Indonesia’s proposed revision to its Criminal Code has stalled its passage in parliament, the conservative political establishment looks set to have the upper hand unless the bill’s critics can turn the tide with louder protests.

Civil Society Indonesia Indonesian Politics

2 Sep 2022

The Implications of Najib Razak’s Jail Term

Francis E. Hutchinson|Lee Hwok-Aun

In this episode of Dialogues at Fulcrum, William Choong, Managing Editor of Fulcrum, talks to Francis Hutchinson and Lee Hwok Aun about the implications of the jailing of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. Dr Hutchinson and Dr Lee are the Coordinator and Co-coordinator of ISEAS’ Malaysia Studies Programme respectively.

Criminal Justice System Dialogues at Fulcrum Malaysia Malaysian Politics

2 Sep 2022

Malaysia’s Multi-coalition Platter Spices Up Talk of Fragmented Parliament

Norshahril Saat

Whenever the next Malaysian general elections are held, voters will be in for a bumpier ride as coalition politics lead to more uncertainty about how the next government will shape up.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

1 Sep 2022

Has ASEAN Lost its Appeal to the United Kingdom?

Joanne Lin

The race for the leadership of the Conservative Party has thrown up few clues about London’s approach to ASEAN and the wider Indo-Pacific. Whoever wins, there is reason to believe that the United Kingdom will retain its strong institutional ties to the region.

ASEAN United Kingdom

1 Sep 2022

Between Taipei and Beijing: Education Options among the Yunnanese Chinese of Northern Thailand

Aranya Siriphon

Because of China’s soft power, some KMT Chinese in Northern Thailand have gradually shifted from being pro-Taipei to being pro-Beijing. Out of the 110 private tutoring Yunnanese schools in Northern Thailand, more than 40 have begun to accept Beijing’s support and modelled their school structure in accordance with PRC’s guidance.

China-Thai Relations Thai Politics Thailand

Fishermen tidy up their nets at Hagu Teungah beach, in Lhokseumawe. For

30 Aug 2022

Sovereignty, Security and Prosperity: Indonesia and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea

Aristyo Rizka Darmawan

The passage of UNCLOS (1982) was a diplomatic and existential success story for Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic state. However, new challenges in maritime law have arisen in the 40 years since the Convention’s passage and action must be taken to ensure its continued relevance to Indonesia and the world.

Indonesia Maritime Security UNCLOS Why UNCLOS Matters